Twee gezichten op de optocht van Landjuweel ter ere van het vijftigjarig bestaan van de Academie d'Archéologie de Belgique in 1892 in Antwerpen 1892

The brothers Dero captured this image in 1892 in Antwerp, presenting two floats from a celebratory parade. It commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the Academie d'Archéologie de Belgique, highlighting the cultural values and institutions of the time. The photograph reveals much about the social conditions that shaped artistic production. The floats themselves represent idealized versions of painting and music. The visual codes, such as classical architecture and costumed figures, convey a sense of historical continuity and cultural authority. Belgium in the late 19th century was a society grappling with rapid industrialization, class tensions, and the legacy of its colonial past. Cultural institutions like the Academie sought to promote a sense of national identity rooted in shared history and artistic achievement. Understanding the historical context requires delving into archives and libraries to examine how cultural institutions were funded, who had access to them, and what role they played in shaping public opinion. Only then can we fully grasp the complex relationship between art, power, and society in 19th-century Belgium.